I finally figured out how to cook boneless skinless chicken breast in Instant Pot. From fresh or frozen, your chicken will come out perfectly cooked every time. There is nothing worse than opening a lid after waiting for 30 minutes and finding raw breasts.
Believe it or not, how to cook chicken in a pressure cooker seems to be the most debated topic online. If you ask me, I think it’s pretty simple and straightforward process. Instant Pot is here to simplify cooking, not to make it harder.
MY LATEST RECIPESTips for Cooking Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Let pressure come down naturally. Quick Release method pulls moisture from the meat.
Separate frozen chicken breasts. Adding a blob of frozen meat will result in raw meat inside. I line fresh breasts with parchment paper before freezing.
You don’t need to add many spices or pre-sear the meat.
Remember, chicken breast is the leanest part of the chicken. You can’t expect it to be as juicy as thighs.
For juicy non-Instant Pot chicken breasts, check out my baked chicken breast. Also try my Instant Pot Frozen Chicken (Whole) and you will be blown away.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Breast
- To the Instant Pot, add water and place trivet with handles inside. Lay chicken breasts in a single layer (if using frozen make sure they are separated) and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly with tongs or hands.
- Close the lid, set pressure vent to Sealing and press Pressure Cooking on High for 20 minutes for fresh or 25 minutes for frozen chicken breasts. Display will say ON, Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure, you will see a bit of steam coming out from a valve, then float valve will rise and countdown will begin.
- After 20-25 minutes your chicken is ready, Instant Pot will beep, display will say OFF and now it needs to bring pressure down before you can open it, which will be indicated by a dropped down float valve. It is called Natural Release and I don’t recommend to do Quick Release (turning sealing valve to Venting position) with this recipe. It should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Open the lid and your chicken breasts are ready for meal prep, casseroles, salads etc. Shred or cube, and save the stock at the bottom for soup.
I made chicken tostadas.
Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Foolproof Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe or how to cook boneless chicken breasts from fresh or frozen perfectly every time. Then shred or cube, and use in your favourite dishes throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless chicken breasts, fresh or frozen*
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- To the Instant Pot, add water and place trivet with handles inside. Lay chicken breasts in a single layer (if using frozen make sure they are separated) and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly with tongs or hands.
- Close the lid, set pressure vent to Sealing and press Pressure Cooking on High for 20 minutes for fresh or 25 minutes for frozen chicken breasts. Display will say ON, Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure, you will see a bit of steam coming out from a valve, then float valve will rise and countdown will begin.
- After 20-25 minutes your chicken is ready, Instant Pot will beep, display will say OFF and now it needs to bring pressure down before you can open it, which will be indicated by a dropped down float valve. It is called Natural Release and I don’t recommend to do Quick Release (turning sealing valve to Venting position) with this recipe. It should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Open the lid and your chicken breasts are ready for meal prep, casseroles, salads etc. Shred or cube, and save the stock at the bottom for soup.
Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Fully cook, cool completely and freeze in an airtight container or resealable freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in a fridge or on a counter.
Notes
*If using frozen chicken breasts make sure they are separated. Think about it before freezing a whole tray, separate them with parchment paper.
Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating in the comments.
Thank you so much! This is easy, quick and comes out juicy and flavorful every time. I use this for daily salads. You are THE BEST!
★★★★★
Aw, thank you so much!:)
THANK YOU!!!! Finally, instant pot chicken that is tender! So Good!
Your instant pot chicken breast recipe is foolproof. I have tried a few and your cooking time is spot on. Thank you!
★★★★★